If you have driven past a Kona Poké and wondered what is poké, you are not alone. Poké (pronounced POH-kay) is a fresh Hawaiian dish built around cubed raw fish, a bowl of bright, clean flavor that has quickly become one of the most popular healthy meals in Central Florida. In this guide we will cover exactly what poké is, what goes in a poké bowl, whether poké is healthy, and how to build your own at our shops in Sanford, Apopka and Melbourne.
What is poké, exactly?
The word poké means "to slice" or "to cut" in Hawaiian. Traditionally, it is fresh ahi tuna cut into cubes and tossed with simple seasonings like soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion and seaweed. Hawaiian fishers have been eating versions of it for generations, long before it became a mainland favorite.
Today, poké has grown into the customizable poké bowl you see at Kona Poké: a base of rice or greens, your choice of fresh protein, and a lineup of mix-ins, sauces and crunchy toppings. Think of it as everything you love about sushi, served in a fresh, made-to-order bowl that is approachable, fast and filling.
What goes in a poké bowl?
The best part of poké is that you build it your way. At Kona Poké, every bowl is assembled fresh in front of you. Here is how a great bowl comes together, layer by layer:
- Base: white or brown rice, fresh greens, or a mix of both.
- Protein: ahi tuna, spicy tuna, salmon, shrimp, surimi, chicken, pulled pork or tofu.
- Mix-ins: edamame, cucumber, sweet onion, mango, avocado, seaweed salad and more.
- Sauces: from classic shoyu to creamy spicy mayo and sweet-heat glazes.
- Crunch & finish: onion crisps, garlic crisps, sesame seeds and furikake-style toppings.
Want the full lineup? Browse the complete Kona Poké menu to see every base, protein and topping, or start with one of our signature bowls if you would rather leave the building to us.
Is poké healthy?
Poké is one of the easier "fast" meals to feel good about. A typical bowl is built on lean protein, vegetables and rice, with healthy fats from fish, avocado and sesame. Because you control every layer, it is easy to make it lighter (load up on greens and veggies), higher in protein (double the fish), or lower in carbs. It is naturally friendly to a lot of eating styles, including keto, gluten-free and plant-based with tofu.
Where to try poké in Central Florida
Now that you know what poké is, the best way to understand it is to taste it. You will find Kona Poké at three Central Florida locations, open daily from 11am to 9pm: Melbourne on West New Haven Avenue, Sanford on W.P. Ball Boulevard, and Apopka on East Semoran Boulevard. Dine in, grab it to go, or order delivery.
